East Ventura County Focus

THOUSAND OAKS : Trial Date Set for Ahmanson Lawsuits

A series of lawsuits against the developer of the $1-billion Ahmanson Ranch project planned for eastern Ventura County will be heard as one case in a trial scheduled to begin in November, officials said.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Barbara Lane, who ordered in May that nine lawsuits be consolidated, scheduled the trial for Nov. 9 during a brief hearing Monday that was attended by representatives for the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs include Los Angeles County, the cities of Los Angeles, Calabasas, Malibu, the environmental group Save Open Space and various homeowner organizations and individuals.

They are contending that the project, which would create a mini-city of 8,600 residents near the Los Angeles County line, would cause major environmental damage, snarl traffic and strain public services.

The lawsuits, which have successfully stalled the project, were filed immediately after the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the development in December.

Monday's hearing was called to discuss various issues relating to the trial, including the $30,000 the plaintiffs will have to pay to attain county records on the project.

Rosemary Woodlock, an attorney representing several of the plaintiffs, said that the judge ordered all of the parties to meet with Ahmanson's attorneys Aug. 12 to iron out all other issues they may have.

Lane set another hearing date for Sept. 12 to discuss any outstanding problems either side may have in preparing for the trial.